The Former Japan National Railways Temiya Line is a preserved railway line in Otaru, Hokkaido, where visitors can walk along the tracks of a historic railway that once played an important role in transporting coal to the port of Otaru.
The line originally opened in 1880 as part of the government-operated Horonai Railway, the first railway in Hokkaido. Trains continued to run along the Temiya Line until 1985, when the line was closed.
Today, much of the former railway alignment remains, including its rails and railway crossings. The route has been developed as a walking path, creating an unusual opportunity to walk directly along historic railway tracks and take photographs from perspectives that are normally inaccessible to the public.
The Temiya Line was an important part of the development of Hokkaido’s railway network. Its history is closely connected with the growth of Otaru as a major port and industrial center, particularly through the transportation of coal and other freight.
As transportation systems changed and the demand for railway freight declined, the importance of the line gradually diminished. The Temiya Line was ultimately discontinued in 1985 as part of efforts to improve railway operating efficiency.
After its closure, sections of the former line were preserved rather than completely removed. The surviving railway landscape now serves as a reminder of the role that rail transportation played in the industrial development of Hokkaido.
The Temiya Line once extended for approximately 24 kilometers between the Sapporo area and Temiya in present-day Otaru. The route included curves and steep gradients shaped by the surrounding terrain, reflecting the challenges of building railways across Hokkaido’s natural landscape.
Important stations associated with the line included Sapporo Station, Otaru Station, and Temiya Station. Temiya Station was particularly significant as the terminus of the line and as an important point for transporting goods.
The landscape along the former railway route changes throughout the year. Spring brings cherry blossoms, summer offers lush greenery, autumn brings colorful foliage, and winter transforms the surroundings with snow.
These seasonal changes add a different character to the preserved railway tracks and make the route an enjoyable place for a leisurely walk and photography.
Following the railway’s closure, parts of the route and related facilities have been preserved as local historical resources. The surviving tracks and railway structures help convey the story of Otaru’s industrial and transportation heritage to later generations.
Preservation efforts have also helped maintain railway-related facilities, exhibits, and other materials connected with the line. Together, they provide valuable reminders of the railway’s contribution to the development of the region.
The former railway alignment has become a distinctive attraction for railway enthusiasts, history lovers, and photographers. Unlike a conventional museum, the experience takes place outdoors, where visitors can actually walk along the old tracks and imagine the trains that once traveled through Otaru.
The preserved railway setting is also surrounded by historic buildings and the traditional urban landscape of Otaru, making it a pleasant route to explore while discovering the city’s past.
The Former Japan National Railways Temiya Line is more than a disused railway track. It is a surviving piece of Hokkaido’s early railway history and a reminder of the era when railways were essential to the movement of coal, goods, and people.
Today, visitors can step onto the historic rails, enjoy the changing scenery, and experience a tangible connection with Otaru’s industrial past. For travelers exploring the city’s historic waterfront and streets, a walk along the Temiya Line offers a simple yet memorable way to discover another side of Otaru.
Open all year round
15 min. walk from JR Otaru Station